A Light-Filled Sag Harbor Cottage That Embraces Simplicity

There’s a quiet beauty in homes that balance simplicity with warmth. This renovated Sag Harbor cottage, featured in Architectural Digest, has that timeless, inviting quality we so often associate with Nancy Meyers’ films—bright, comfortable, and full of effortless charm. Designed by Annalise Taft-Gersten and her husband James with Scandinavian influences and an eye for intentional living, it proves that less can truly be more.

Inside the Cottage

Nestled in a quiet corner of Sag Harbor, this 1950s home was transformed into a year-round retreat with a focus on light, calm, and functionality. Oversized windows bathe the interiors in sunshine, while the palette stays soft and restrained—creamy whites, muted taupes, natural oak, and hints of black for definition.

The open-plan living room anchors the home’s aesthetic. Clean-lined seating upholstered in natural linen creates a sense of ease, while woven textures and subtle patterns bring in quiet depth. The Gerstens embraced open sightlines but were careful to keep the space warm, balancing large windows with tailored furniture and layered rugs.

In the kitchen, little touches soften the streamlined cabinetry. Café curtains filter light while adding a hint of old-world charm, a simple detail that makes the space feel instantly more welcoming. Instead of a formal dining setup, the couple opted for a built-in banquette, creating a relaxed nook for everyday meals. It’s both practical and cozy—the kind of space where morning coffee lingers into conversation.

The kitchen and dining area follow the same approach—rustic wood surfaces and a simple round dining table that encourage connection. Cozy corners throughout the home, from reading chairs to window seats, make the house feel approachable despite its airy architecture. Every element is intentional, chosen not for trend but for how it contributes to the family’s everyday life.

A Bathroom That Defines Quiet Luxury

One of the most striking spaces in the cottage is the primary bathroom. It blends drama with restraint, balancing bold Calacatta marble veining against simple wood cabinetry and clean-lined paneling. The shower, framed in warm bronze, feels like a jewel box—luxurious yet never fussy.

The natural oak vanity brings warmth and texture, grounding the space so the marble doesn’t overwhelm. Brass fixtures and understated wall sconces add timeless polish, while fresh blooms on the counter remind us that even the most elevated rooms should feel inviting and lived-in.

It’s a perfect example of “quiet luxury”: a room that feels both elevated and approachable, cinematic in its beauty yet entirely functional for everyday living. You can imagine it in a Nancy Meyers film—where every space feels beautiful but also deeply personal.

How to Recreate the Look

• Pair Drama with Simplicity: Use one bold material (like marble) and balance it with warm, natural finishes.

• Choose Classic Fixtures: Brass or bronze faucets and lighting instantly add timeless appeal.

• Warm It Up with Wood: A wood vanity softens stone-heavy spaces and makes them feel less stark.

• Add Life: A simple vase of flowers or a tray of daily essentials turns a bathroom from cold to inviting.

What We Love

• Layered Light: Sunshine pours in through expansive windows during the day, while lantern-style pendants and pared-down table lamps create intimacy at night.

• Neutral Calm: The quiet palette of driftwood, linen, and white feels timeless and soothing—perfectly aligned with the spirit of our Coastal Haven Collection.

•  Texture Over Pattern: Woven baskets, sisal rugs, and light wood surfaces add visual interest without overwhelming the calm aesthetic.

• Intentional Spaces: Instead of filling every corner, the Gerstens created a home where each piece has purpose—an approach we love at Hadley James.

• Cinematic Warmth: The balance of clean lines, natural light, and approachable comfort feels almost cinematic—a home you could imagine as the backdrop of a Nancy Meyers story.

Neutral tones, natural textures, and layered light make the living room a serene centerpiece—timeless and inviting

Bedrooms That Embrace Serenity

The bedrooms in this Sag Harbor cottage embody the same understated elegance found throughout the home.

In the primary bedroom, sloped ceilings clad in painted paneling give the space architectural character without overwhelming it. An upholstered bed in a soft neutral tone anchors the room, layered with textured pillows and bedding for quiet dimension. Simple linen drapery frames the window, allowing the natural light to remain the star. It’s minimal but never stark—warmth comes through in the textures, not excess decoration.

The guest bedroom carries the same philosophy with its cozy, enveloping palette. A scalloped upholstered headboard softens the lines of the paneled walls, while a rustic wooden armoire brings history and contrast to the otherwise pared-down space. Textural bedding and simple blooms add just enough life, proving that comfort doesn’t require clutter.

These spaces highlight how the Gerstens approached their home with intention: choosing finishes and furnishings that encourage rest, calm, and a sense of retreat.

How to Recreate the Look

• Keep It Neutral: Layer whites, creams, and soft taupes for an instantly restful palette.

• Choose Texture Over Color: Bouclé pillows, linen bedding, or a soft wool throw bring dimension without pattern overload.

• Anchor with Upholstery: An upholstered headboard (scalloped or tailored) softens the room and makes it feel more inviting.

• Mix Old and New: Pair one vintage piece—like an armoire or side table—with clean-lined furniture for balance.

• Frame the Light: Simple, full-length drapery adds elegance while keeping the focus on natural light.

How to Create the Look Yourself

What makes this home so inviting is how achievable it feels. You don’t need to live in Sag Harbor to bring this kind of effortless simplicity into your own space. Here are a few ways to recreate the look:

• Choose a Soft Base Palette: Start with whites, soft taupes, and pale oak tones for walls, upholstery, and large furniture pieces. These neutrals form a calming backdrop.

• Add Texture Through Materials: Instead of busy patterns, bring depth with woven baskets, rattan accents, grasscloth, or nubby linen pillows.

• Invest in Layered Lighting: Think beyond one overhead fixture. Mix lanterns, sconces, and table lamps to create a glow that shifts with the time of day.

• Keep Furnishings Intentional: Select fewer, better pieces. A round pedestal dining table for intimacy, a tailored sofa in linen, or a single statement lantern can anchor a room without clutter.

• Create Cozy Nooks: Even in open-plan spaces, carve out smaller retreats—a reading chair by a window, a bench layered with cushions, or a basket of throws in a corner.

Shop the Sag Harbor Edit.

Bringing It Home with Hadley James

The Sag Harbor cottage captures so much of what we love about our Town & Country Collection—timeless neutrals, textural warmth, and a focus on balance. At the same time, the light-filled ease connects beautifully to our Coastal Haven Collection.

Much like the beloved interiors from Nancy Meyers’ films, this home reminds us that the most beautiful spaces aren’t about perfection or trend—they’re about creating warmth, ease, and timeless comfort. That’s the heart of what we curate at Hadley James: homes that feel effortless, grounded, and inviting.

Official Credit

This home was originally featured in Architectural Digest. Written by Stacie Stukin. Photography by Nicole Franzen. Published December 30, 2024.